The noblesse had patiently supported the humiliation and the personal spoliation of title and fortune which the National Assembly had imposed on them by the destruction of the last vestiges of the feudal system; or rather, they had generously sacrificed them to their country on the night of the 6th of August.

But these outrages on the king appeared more intolerable to them than those inflicted on themselves.

To deliver him from his captivity--rescue him from impending danger--save the queen and her children--restore royalty--or perish fighting for this sacred cause, appeared to them the duty of their situation and their birth.

On one side was honour, on the other their country: they had not hesitated, but had followed honour; and this was sanctified even more in their eyes by the magic word devotion.

There was real devotion in the feeling that induced these young and these old men to abandon their rank in the army--their fortune--their country--their families, to rally around the white flag in a foreign land, to perform the duty of private soldiers, and brave eternal exile, the spoliation pronounced against them by the laws of their country, the fatigues of the camp, and death and danger on the battle-field.